CRYSTAL PALACE are poised to reject a ‘silly’ offer from Chelsea for £55million-rated Marc Guehi.
The injury-hit Blues have launched a cheeky bid to re-sign the defender they flogged to their London neighbours for £18million in 2021.
But the opening bid has fallen way below expectations for the England international and is set to be rebuffed.
A source told Sun Sport: “Their offer was a long way off being a fair price. It was silly really and they need to offer more to even have a hope of getting a deal done.”
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca suggested recently that he was considering a move into the transfer market this month to boost his back line with a number of his key men out long term.
Wesley Fofana could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring problem and defensive partner Benoit Badiashile is also crocked for some time.
It led to Maresca handing teenage centre back Josh Acheampong his first Premier League start against Guehi’s Eagles on Saturday – which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Maresca does still have Levi Colwill, Tosin Adariabioyo and Axel Disasi on his books but Chelsea will resume European competition in March with the Conference League and embark on their FA Cup journey this season this weekend.
The Italian is also concerned about the nature of the goals his youthful team are conceding which has seen them drop from second to fourth in the Premier League.
Twice in the last three games they have conceded key goals late on in matches.
He has already recalled defender Aaron Anselimino from a loan at Argentinian side Boca Juniors.
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It was also thought likely that Chelsea may try to get on-loan Trevoh Chalobah back early from his season long loan at Palace.
Guehi, 24, is a key figure at the back for Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.
He was a sustained target for Newcastle last summer but Palace would not let him go for £70m.
But he now has just 18 months left on his contract and his value has dipped accordingly.
He was one of England’s best players at Euro 2024 when the national team reached the final.
Chelsea are expected to increase their offer as the January transfer window rolls on until February 3 although Maresca could do with getting any new defenders in as soon as possible.
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